three presidential debates and as bigad shaban shows us, the focus tonight will be on the economy, healthcare and domestic issues. >> reporter: the stage is set for the first presidential debate. mitt romney trails in many battleground state polls and this is an opportunity for him to gain some ground. >> i think you're going to see the mitt romney that really cares about putting the american people back to work. i think that's the most important goal that the governor has. >> reporter: president obama will be pressing his own plan for the economy. but today he is facing new criticism over something he said in 2007. during a speech to a predominantly black audience, then senator obama implied the bush administration was withholding recovery money after hurricane katrina based on race. >> what's happening down in new orleans? where is your dollar? >> reporter: all major media outlets covered the speech at the time. >> i have to say i'm a little amazed that as you mentioned a widely covered speech likely by people at your network is somehow caused a kerfuffle five years later. >> reporter: mill